#31: Lily Tomlin

Year They Came Out of the Closet: 2001

Mary Jean “Lily” Tomlin, born September 1, 1939, is a multifaceted American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. Tomlin launched her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1960s and gained fame as a regular on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In from 1969 to 1973. In March 1971, Tomlin met Jane Wagner, her future wife and creative partner.

For years, Tomlin kept her personal life private, but in 2001, she candidly shared that she preferred dating women over men. Tomlin has been an unwavering supporter of the LGBTQ community, using her platform to champion equality. Her dedication to advocacy aligns seamlessly with her lifelong principles.